For those 4-eyed PTers....

[catnapper]

I finally have enough saved to get my sorely needed eye exam and glasses. I've been putting this off for far too long and am super-excited about getting new ones.

I checked out the mall tonight to see just how much glasses cost these days.... and nearly fell over: $400!?!?!? I want to cry - I didn't save that much.

I actually found one pair at Sears that would be right in my $250 range, but they would not have the superthin lenses. They sure looked thin enough to me, but the sales clerk made me feel like I was making a mistake by not buying the "featherlight" ones for an extra $130 (bringing me back up to the $400 price point) Is there a serious difference between Featherlight lenses and the not-as-thin lenses? My prescription DOES get rather thick.... not Mr. Magoo thick, but thick. I do agree I need a thinner plastic, but whats the REAL difference?

I visited 4 stores: Sears, LensCrafters, and two local privately owned stores. LensCrafters was hands-down the most expensive. I bought my last pair from Sam's Club and was very disappointed.... see old thread here: old thread more about old glasses even more about old glasses (geee.... I've really been needing these new glasses since I bought the last pair! )

Anyway, I need help here. Where do you get your glasses, what did you spend, and how satisfied are you with the final product? Any words of wisdom? I already know I do NOT want the anti-reflective coating. I've never had good luck with that.

Oh Pam, where art thou? I now you can help me!

[joycenalex]

i got my 2 pairs at the eye glass warehouse. yes they wee a bit pricy (and having 2 , one to wear and a backup made it so) check to see if they're around you. HTH

[Pam]

Oh Pam, where art thou? I now you can help me!

Here I am Kim! Actually I am probably of little to no help because I get my glasses at cost from the lab since I work for the doctor. Glasses can be amazingly expensive depending on all of the "frills" (thin lenses, photogray, progressive lenses, etc.) you can put on them. We have hired a girl to work in the optical shop part of our office so I am way out of touch with glasses and pricing, etc, since she has been with us two years now and figures it all out and writes it up. I can tell you that recently a husband and wife put $1,000 on their credit card because they each bought a pair of glasses. They sort of left the office in shock.

Edit: I tend to agree with you about the anti-reflective coating. We have many people complain that the coating comes off. Fortunately if it is within a reasonable time frame the lab will take them back and re-do them. You do have to be especially careful what you clean them with. I have anti-reflective on my lenses now but only got it because the price was right.

[Marigold2]

I work for an eye doctor as well. Getting the cheapest pair possible is never a good idea, they break easily and that is never good. Do spend the extra money on the progressive that turn dark as you go outside, get the scratch resistent coating if available and a good basic frame. You won't be disappointed.

[moosmom]

Kim,

Try Wal-Mart. I got a great deal on two pairs of glasses for $168.

[critter crazy]

I dont have Prescription Lenses, but Since I am blind in my right eye, my eye doctor Prescribed Glasses with Poly-Carbonite lenses(Shatter proof), to help protect my one good eye. I got super light glasses, polycarbonite Lenses, and since I have to Wear them all the time, I also Got Transitions Lenses. Altogether they cost me $489!! Eeeekkk...but like hubby said, they will last me years, since they dont have a prescription lenses in them. But Glasses are so expensive it sucks!

[carole]

I became a four eyed pter over a year ago, had my test at the optician and prescription glasses from there, progressive lenses and they cost me $800,so I don't think your's are too bad considering,you won't know yourself in a while, takes time to get used to them, then you will love them i am sure.

[Pam]

progressive lenses and they cost me $800,

Wow! If you put every extra possible frill onto the lenses we sell in our office and even bought the most expensive frame you couldn't manage to spend $800 there.

caught red handed....

Oh Karen, I would find a way to work you in, even if everyone in our office wanted to skin me alive!

[RedHedd]

Believe it or not, J.C. Penney's! The best selection (even designer frames), sales help and prices - they always have special deals going. Also ask for AARP or AAA discounts or if your health insurance has a deal with them - most do.

Earlier this year I got two pairs, ultra thin, high-index lenses for about $600, which is cheap. I bought the warranty as I'm going through a lot of eye issues this year. They have changed the prescription for me once already at no cost. I'm seeing my eye doc tomorrow for a new reading lens Rx; with the "warranty" I'll only pay 10% of their cost for changing the lenses.

I get the glasses with the polarized clip on (actually magnetic stick on) sunglasses, That way I don't have to pay for yet another pair; my regular glasses become my sunglasses with a quick stickon.

[cali]

similer problem here lol my eyes are awful but I simpley couldnt afford the exam and new glasses. recently I had the exam, to fine out the my perscription has changed a LOT..no wonder I cant see lol. wel I went shopping around the the absolute cheapest I found was $230..and that for for the lenses alone. sorry im not much help lol im just in the same perdiciment

[Glacier]

I have the featherlight lenses. I didn't get the anti-reflection coating, but do have some kind of extra scratch protection. Total my lenses and frames cost 600 bucks. I got 200 back from my insurance plan at work.

I think the extra cost of the lenses was worth every dime. I actually wear my glasses now instead of forcing my contacts in no matter how my eyes feel. I have major allergies with dry, itchy eyes. Not comfortable with contacts in, but I used to do it anyway cuz I hated my glasses so much. My frames aren't designer label, but they are fashionable. I get compliments every time I wear them to work---my coworkers seem to forget they've ever seen them before!

[shais_mom]

My frames aren't designer label, but they are fashionable. I get compliments every time I wear them to work---my coworkers seem to forget they've ever seen them before!

Mine are the same way -
I got mine @ Walmart and I get compliments every time I wear them, people ask if I got new glasses - I htink I've had these for about 4-5 years. I've had them less than 6 b/c Keegan will be 6 this fall and I remember her scratching the lens of my other ones with her puppy nails!

[Glacier]

Mine are the same way -

Woah! Those are very similar to mine! I don't think I have any pictures of me wearing mine though...I don't have very many pictures of me period! You look lovely in them!

[shais_mom]

Woah! Those are very similar to mine! I don't think I have any pictures of me wearing mine though...I don't have very many pictures of me period! You look lovely in them!

Thanks!

[wombat2u2004]

Hmmmmmm....some of you guys get good deals on your glasses.
My last pair was $500
Wom